Featured Article from Conferencing

Northern California Girl Scouts Build Leadership via Videoconferencing

By Mandi Nowitz
Web Editor

Girl Scouts have long been known for going door-to-door to sell their famous cookies. Over the years, the practice has evolved to include setting up tables in and around businesses and local events, and now, through social media and parents pushing them to colleagues at their offices. The truth is, many people look forward to their annual lot of Samoas and Thin Mints. But, it’s all done in the name of supporting the organization, which seeks to help build courage, confidence, and character in its members and helping pave a path for them as future leaders and innovators.

In the spirit of that mission, Girl Scouts in northern California are becoming more innovative in their use of technology to expand the reach and scope of some of their activities.  With some 44,000 members geographically situated between Silicon Valley and the Oregon border, the organization is leveraging its videoconferencing for training and other events in the region. 

In particular, this year, it will supplement its annual leadership event with a focus on the videoconferencing experience, which will provide access to many more mentors and leaders that the traditional on-site experience alone. 

Girl Scouts of Northern California CEO Marina Park explains that the girls will “be able to meet more mentors than ever before and have conversations with women that they otherwise might not be able to meet.”

Dolby delivers the high-quality audio experience for the videoconference service from Highfive.

Park also believes videoconferencing will help prepare the young women for the workforce they will soon be entering: “We really want them to get a taste of what the business world is like, and today the business world is about using new tools to connect with each other.” 

As a geographically dispersed organization, the Girl Scouts uses its videoconferencing system regularly for business purposes, and says the user-friendly experience and integrated has generated positive feedback from everyone, from members to executives to external participants.  Now, the organization is taking advantage of its technology investment to ensure no scout feels left behind, regardless of distance, while motivating future female leaders to dip a toe into the tech space.

What can your organization accomplish with a videoconferencing system?